Wrexham will still be on a high after beating Rotherham United on Saturday afternoon but the attention quickly turns to facing Reading.
The last few weeks have been absolutely relentless for Wrexham.
Phil Parkinson has been managing weekend-midweek-weekend schedules for most of 2025 now.
Wrexham lost to Peterborough United in the EFL Trophy semi-finals but the schedule remains busy.
Parkinson watched on as Wrexham beat Rotherham United 1-0 on Saturday afternoon.
The Wrexham boss has little time to celebrate though as he takes his side to face Reading on Tuesday night.
Sam Smith on Wrexham difference to Reading
Wrexham’s match-winner on Saturday was Sam Smith.
January signing Smith latched onto Jay Rodriguez’s flick-on and slotted home his first STōK Cae Ras goal.
Smith celebrated his birthday with a goal but now faces an emotional return to Reading.
Smith said an emotional farewell to Reading in January as the Royals cashed in, selling him to Wrexham in a seven-figure deal.
Wrexham won the race for Smith despite rival interest and spent big in the hope of seeing him secure promotion to the Championship.
Tuesday sees Smith head back to Reading for the first time and he has now commented on the difference between the Royals and Wrexham.
Speaking to Wrexham Match Day Live, Smith noted that Wrexham is ‘completely different’ to Reading.
Smith pointed to playing around so many youngsters at Reading compared to seasoned professionals at Wrexham, calling it a ‘massive environment change’.
The striker added that it’s difficult to be living in a hotel right now but he is just working hard to try and help Wrexham moving forward.
“It’s completely different,” said Smith.
“I think I’ve come from one of the youngest squads to one of the oldest squads, so that’s a massive environment change.
“Being back up north is different and living out of the hotel is difficult. I think moving in January is hard for anyone but I’ve just got to keep working hard for the team and hope the performances follow,” he added.
Sam Smith not alone in Reading return
Smith will no doubt find Tuesday night a little strange.
The Wrexham striker had two spells with Reading but now returns as an opposing player.
Smith is not the only Wrexham man returning to Reading though – boss Phil Parkinson is in the same boat.
Parkinson was a Reading hero in his playing days and whilst he has been back so many times in his managerial career, he is still bound to feel a touch emotional about returning to Berkshire.
Once the whistle blows though, Smith and Parkinson will be dead set on another three points as Wrexham chase promotion to the Championship – and a victory on Tuesday could be huge ahead of facing second-placed Wycombe Wanderers next weekend.